Gear up, Buffalo runners! Middle Trail Running’s Fall Race Radar is here! As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves start to turn, check-out these 5 races happening in and around Buffalo, NY this fall. Whether you're looking for a scenic run, a chocolate-themed 5K, a one mile fun walk, or a longer distance race such as a half or full marathon, our race radar has you covered. Lace up those sneakers, embrace the fall vibes, and get ready to conquer the season’s most exciting running events!
Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K
- When: Friday, August 30, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Where: Elmwood Avenue at Bidwell Parkway in Buffalo, NY
- Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
- Website: Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K
All the Deets: We realize that this race is still during the summer, but we didn’t want to miss out on sharing the deets for this one! A Buffalo Labor Day Weekend tradition, the Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K is back with an awesome course, unlimited food and drink, and an incredible post-race party featuring live music.
Held in memory of Tom Donnelly, one of the area’s premier running ambassadors and champion of the Buffalo running community, this USATF certified race offers a flat and fast course through the picturesque Bidwell Parkway neighborhood. Packet pick-up is on race day from 3-6:15 PM near the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, and the first 300 registered runners will receive t-shirts. Celebrate the end of summer and this year’s Western New York Running Hall of Fame's newest inductees of 2024.
Middle Trail will have a booth at this race and is ready to cheer on all the runners! This is truly a running community event you don’t want to miss!
Erie Marathon
- When: Sunday, September 8, 2024
- Time: 7 AM
- Where: Presque Isle, PA (Beach 1)
- Distance: Marathon (26.2 miles)
- Website: Erie Marathon
All the Deets: The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle State Park is your ultimate race for setting personal records and qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The course features two scenic loops around Presque Isle State Park, offering stunning views of Lake Erie, the City of Erie Bayfront, and miles of beautiful coastline, marshes, and wooded paths. With a six-hour completion time, aid stations every 1-2 miles, and a shady, flat and fast course, this marathon is perfect for runners of all levels (or if you are looking for that last chance to qualify for Boston 😀).
Packet pick-up is Saturday, September 7 between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM and Sunday, September 8 between 5:45 AM and 6:45 AM at the Erie Runners Club Pavilion near Beach 1. Middle Trail will have a booth at packet pickup on September 7, so be sure to stop by and say hello!
Sponge Candy 5K
- When: Saturday, September 21
- Time: 1 Mile Fun Walk at 3 PM and 5K at 3:30 PM
- Where: North Tonawanda, NY
- Distances: 1 Mile Fun Walk and 5K (3.1 miles)
- Website: Sponge Candy 5K
All the Deets: Who doesn’t love a race sponsored by a chocolate factory?! Don’t miss out on the Platter's Chocolate Factory Sponge Candy 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk in North Tonawanda, NY! This event features a 1-mile fun walk at 3:00 PM and a 5K race at 3:30 PM, both starting and ending at the beautifully renovated Wurlitzer Building. Plus, at the finish line, runners will be treated to Platter’s famous sponge candy (YUM 😋)!
Register early (before 9/1/24) to snag an official Sponge Candy 5K t-shirt. All proceeds from this event support Niagara Hospice. After the race, stick around for a festive post-race celebration with fruit, snacks, and live music at Fattey Beer Co until 6 PM. Plus, Sammy Sponge will be available for fun photo ops!
Here is Sammy Sponge for reference!
Whether you're a competitive runner or just out for some fun, this race has something for everyone. Enjoy a week of festivities leading up to the main event on National Sponge Candy Day (September 21), including a basket raffle which takes place all week long. Don’t miss out on the fun, camaraderie, and, of course, the chocolate 🍫! Middle Trail will have a booth set up post-race, so stop by, and we can enjoy some delicious sponge candy together!
Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice 5K Dash
- When: Saturday, October 5, 2024
- Time: 5K starts at 9 AM and Half Marathon starts at 9:15 AM
- Where:
- Half Marathon: Starts at Artpark State Park in Lewiston, NY and finishes at Porter-on-the-Lake Park in Youngstown, NY.
- Hospice Dash 5K: Starts and finishes at Porter-on-the-Lake Park in Youngstown, NY.
- Distances: Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles)
- Website: Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice 5K Dash
All the Deets: Gear up for one of Buffalo’s favorite fall races—the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice Dash 5K in Youngstown, NY! This event showcases breathtaking views along the Niagara River, historic villages, and Fort Niagara. Starting at Artpark in Lewiston and ending at Porter-on-the-Lake Park, the course is one of the most lively races Buffalo has to offer - it includes live music and cheering spectators throughout the race!
All proceeds of this race go to a great cause, Niagara Hospice. With shuttle services between the start and finish, convenient parking, and a post-race party which includes great grub, drinks, and medals, the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon & Hospice Dash 5K is a must-attend event. We have some Middle Trail runners registered this year, so be on the lookout for fellow runners on the course and other run club members cheering along the way!
EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K
- When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Time: Half Marathon and Relay start at 11 AM and 5K starts at 11:15 AM
- Where: Ellicottville, NY (5 Monroe Street)
- Distances: 5K (3.1 miles) and Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Website: EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K
All the Deets: Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the EVL Half Marathon, one of our favorite fall running events! This race takes place in the picturesque town of Ellicottville, NY (honestly one of the prettiest places to be in the fall 😀🍂) and runners will experience scenic fall foliage, festive Halloween costumes, and an awesome post-race party at Ellicottville Brewing Company.
The event includes a 13.1-mile half marathon, a 5K for those looking for a shorter run, and a Half Marathon relay option (Note: relay teams are two-person only, and the relay exchange happens at exactly the halfway point of the half marathon). Participants will also receive a Halloween themed finisher’s medal - one of the coolest medals we have ever seen - and a race t-shirt. For the second year in a row, Middle Trail will be setting up a booth at the race! Swing by with your Halloween costume and catch up with fellow runners, grab some awesome gear, and celebrate your accomplishments!
Conclusion: Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the chance to be part of these running events with each event offering something a little different! Plus, the Middle Trail squad will be at each of these races, cheering you on along the way! Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just looking to enjoy the autumn vibes, happy fall running (it’s finally here!), and we can’t wait to see you out on the course!
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